Vex the Midianites, and smite them:

NUMBERS 25:17KJV
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Numbers 25:17 (KJV)

What does Numbers 25:17 mean?

Numbers 25:17 is a command from God to Moses, telling him to treat the Midianites as enemies and attack them. The verse directs Moses and the Israelites to confront the Midianites because of their actions against Israel.

God is speaking to Moses after the events at Peor, where the Midianites played a role in leading Israel into idolatry and immorality. The command uses strong language, showing that this is not just a warning but an order for active opposition. This verse sets the stage for the conflict that follows in the next chapters, highlighting the seriousness of the Midianites’ actions against Israel.

The Hebrew behind Numbers 25:17

  • "Vex" (צָרַר, tsarar) means to harass, show hostility, or treat as an enemy. This word signals that God is instructing Moses to take an adversarial stance, not just to be wary or cautious.
  • "Midianites" (מִדְיָנִי, midyani) refers specifically to the people group involved in the events at Peor, making clear who is being targeted by this command.
  • "Smite" (נָכָה, nakah) means to strike, attack, or defeat, often with the sense of physical violence or warfare. This word indicates that the command is not just about hostility in attitude, but about taking real, forceful action.

Why Numbers 25:17 matters

  • Numbers 25:17 clarifies that the Midianites’ actions were seen as a direct threat to Israel’s faithfulness and well-being, not just a political or territorial issue.
  • The verse shows a shift from dealing with internal problems (Israel’s own disobedience) to addressing external threats that encouraged that disobedience.
  • This command connects to the wider context of Numbers 25, where the Midianites’ influence led to a crisis in Israel, explaining why such a strong response was ordered.

Where else these words appear

“Midianites” Hebrew H4084 · used in 7 verses

  • Genesis 37:28 Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver: and they brought Joseph into Egypt.
  • Numbers 25:6 And, behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought unto his brethren a Midianitish woman in the sight of Moses, and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • Numbers 25:15 And the name of the Midianitish woman that was slain was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur; he was head over a people, and of a chief house in Midian.

“Vex” Hebrew H6887 · used in 56 verses

  • Exodus 12:34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.
  • 2 Chronicles 28:22 And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the LORD: this is that king Ahaz.
  • Psalms 69:19 Thou hast known my reproach, and my shame, and my dishonour: mine adversaries are all before thee.